Semi-weekly interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1881-1905, 1887-12-16

landlord Of the hotel where Mrs. web-te
was staying. In three hours Crocifiss,, r,
turned, jubilant, because the landlord ha
promised to show the lace to all the guests 4
his house likely to be E.t.rested in sue
things.
We scarcely dared TO break 20 CrocifsS
the good news that came three DAYS later
Mrs Webster had fallen in love with III
lace, as Amy had predicted, and at the land
lords suggestion had promised 10 pay y.
francs for the piece ON her departure,
month later. In the meantime IL might re
main upon exhibition behind the glass door
OF the padrones cabinet of curiosities |
made one feel young and happy again to 81,
the bliss Of CrocifisSa and Reno The latte
was presented TO us, and the good fellow
seemed ready TO risk his life Ia serve us
Amy might ride on the fruit donkey at an,
hour Of the day or night she chose, and il wa
borne in upon me that a particularly glarins
pair OF magenta stockings in process Of con
struction by Crocifssa was for me.
The fortune Of the betrothed couple being
now secured, negotiations were entered upor
ior the desired outfit of clothes and the neces
sary furniture. A charming pair OF rooms
In Crocifissas eyes, were bespoken, at the
back OF the carpenters house, and the wed
going merry as the anticipated marriag,
bells, when the day arrived for Crocifissa Il
go TO San Marcello and receive her money.
On her first visit she had seen only the
padrone, and was about TO b. given the price
of her lace and dismissed at once by him,
when, ON second thought, be decided 20 de.
tain her.
You had better go and thank the lady for
her kindness, yourself he said lit looks
more civil
CrocifisSa was shown into Mrs. websterS
room, marvel Of ornamentation from all
parts of the globe and Of various centuries
more or less authentic. Mr.. Webster had.
rs Amy had maintained, an idolatruus fond
ness for all things antique; a hideous Jug
with crack upon it, dirt ingrained sides
was loNclier in her eyes than the most skill
fully worked vase Of modern times. She
Willingly paid fabulous prices for rubbish of
bygone day, but was implacable IL she dis
covered fraud in the dates Of apparently an
tique treasures
In very bad Italian. she ADDRESSED Corci.
hSsa, who, not understanding replied in a
few words, which the elder lady also failed Ia
catch. The interview being rather n trying
one for both parties, Mrs. Webster was about
To end II 10y diSmisSing CrocifiSa, when the
girls next words, understood this time, Alas,
all too plainly, riveted her attention.
What did you say she exclaimed, o
spark Of something like anger glowing in isr
eyes.
III the signora would like some narrow
lace OF the same pattern, would try 10 make
it. NY eyes are better now than when did
that wide piese," repeated CrocifiSSa.
DO you mean 10 say that YOU made this
piece Of lacef' said Mrs Webster, with sup
pressed rage.
Yes, signora; why notf
CrocifiSSa regarded the now infuriated lady
with blank amaIement; she had expected
praise for her handiwork. instead u thes.,
haming eyes bent angrily upon her.
Mrs. Webster rang the bell with sharp VIC
lence. and demanded the instant presence Of
the padrone. How dare you" she cried. as
be ,.ppeared, TRY To cheat me ~ outrage
o. siyf
The padrone, mystihed as was Crocifssa
at the ladys excitement, stared at her in
helpless silence. Presently be found voice
enough Ia falter, IL do not understand; will
the signora please u EXPLAIN
You finished rascal, you know very well
what mean! You showed me this lace.
letting me believe II was old, and now this
girl-she Is innocent enough-confesS... that
she made It herself What have you 10 say
for yourself, sirf
"Dio milo! Why-I thought-but il il old.
signora-lehold, it is quite dirty. / feared
the signora would desire fresher piece. and
my heart was light when she seemed 10 wish
to have 1t old. The signora did not mention
how old IT must h., hence this misund,r.
which regret deeply"
I,
the most Of his kind, the padrune on this oc- |
caSion spoke the truth. He was simple fel- |
low, ignorant Of the craze of the elegant |
world Tor antiquities hc had not troubled |
himself Ia inquire the history II Crocias,a', |
lace, but had satisfied his conscience bv ask |
M its value Of an old woman of the village.
IN authority in such matters
But the irate Mrs Webster WINS NOT IN 10
ippeased The padrone had tried 10 cheat
ler aS egrcgiously as any hardened rogue in
he lowest Of jun, shops Here" to Croci-
lisa, take your lace; have changed my
mind, and will not have il" and she tossed
he dainty work into a basket ON the girls
lrm.
But, signora'' cried the poor child. burst
ng into tears, and extending both hands i'm
,loringly.
Leave the room az once both If Won"
AID Mrs. Webster. Callously. II cannot hive
scene here. The way of the trunsgressor is
ard you know, and you must take the con
equences of your evil deeds"
Poor CrOcifiSsa, how She retraccd her tired
teps to Piatico, empty handed, with the I'M
lcky lace IN her basket, she never knew.
he situation was really deplorablc-ull the
ecessarieS for their humble housekeeping
lmoSt in their possession, the rooms en-
aged and not a franc Ia pay for ANYTHING
nc llttle community was loud IN i,s cNprcS-
ions II rage at the inhumau woman who
ad 50 deceived Crocifissa, but thi, mcndcd
matters not at all
day on two later Reno sought us out
espair on his handsome face. Crocifi,Sa was
j, Of grief only, but 80 low and miserable
hat Reno feared the worst The Door girl
ias really in pitablc state. and after our
lslt Ia the hovcl where she lived Amy and
eclarel We would not see another sunset be-
ore We had tried 10 set on foot some project
nat might benefit the unhappy child
There were crowds Of strangers at the hotel
Abetone; why should they not know Of the
id little romance at Piaticol With the as
stance Of our kind hostess the affair was
iade public, and We arranged a lottery by
hitch to dispose Of CrocifsSa's lace.
To our great delight tickets 10 the value of
early 800 francs were sold, the money, Of
purse, being poured into the lap Of the be-
lldcrcd CrocifiSSa, well nigh beside herself
It'll these sudden transitions from Ilosnair To